He never seemed his age, because he lived life like a whirlwind. Sunday the whirlwind slowed to a stop, fading into our memories as he passed away just 6 weeks shy of his 84th birthday. Matthias “Matt” Mayer, Jr, commanded the Wisconsin VFW State Honor Guard for nearly three decades, leading that dedicated band of comrades to numerous trophies for spit and polish performances around our state and across the nation. “First Place” is this Honor Guard’s rightful address, and “Colonel Matt Mayer” was the foundation on which our reputation was built.

Matt Mayer was also a dedicated Life Member of his VFW Post 6498, Gross-Yaksh, Wauwatosa, WI, for fifty-seven years. At the time of his death, he also chaired the WI VFW Convention Committee, with which he had been active for many years.

Matt is survived by his wife, Diann, a daughter, Debbie, brother, Karl, grandchildren and great-granchildren, and numerous other relatives. He earned his eligibility for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars while serving in the US Army. As Combat Veteran, he loved the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and served his Post, his State and National VFW organizations with the same boundless zeal with which he led our Honor Guard.

Matt Mayer did nothing by half measures, and for that we are eternally grateful and will miss him deeply. But as a good leader he taught his comrades all he could, and they now will go forward with his memory in their hearts determined to keep the traditions strong. Matt will be missed, but his dedication will live on in his beloved State Honor Guard.

Services for “Col. Mayer” will take place this Thursday afternoon (March 24th) at the Harder Funeral Home at 18700 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield. (Map below.)

Visitation will begin at 4:00pm, concluding at 6:30pm at which time Gross-Yaksh VFW Post 6498 will conduct services. At Matt’s request, friends are encouraged to make memorial donations to the Wisconsin Honor Flight program.

Leave a Response

Search

Sponsors

There is Equal Opportunity for the Appearance of Political, Product or Service Advertising on this Network. Advertising is for Informational Purposes Only and Should Not Be Construed as an Endorsement.